NXUS vs. DFGX

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

NXUS (Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF) and DFGX (Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF) are both Global Bonds funds. NXUS is passively managed, while DFGX is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NXUS charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for DFGX.

Performance

NXUS vs. DFGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS) and Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NXUS achieves a 0.48% return, which is significantly lower than DFGX's 0.86% return.

NXUS

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 0.48%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFGX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 0.86%
• 6M: 0.86%
• 1Y: 3.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NXUS vs. DFGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	0.48%	0.61%
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	0.86%	0.45%

Correlation

The correlation between NXUS and DFGX is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

NXUS vs. DFGX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DFGX

DFGX Risk / Return Rank: 22
DFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
DFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

NXUS vs. DFGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS) and Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NXUS	DFGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.76	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	1.10	-0.67

Drawdowns

NXUS vs. DFGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXUS drawdown since its inception was -2.81%, smaller than the maximum DFGX drawdown of -3.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXUS and DFGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXUS	DFGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.81%	-3.32%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.33%	-1.29%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.91%	-0.78%	-0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.15%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NXUS	DFGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.57%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.36%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.73%	4.08%	-0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.73%	4.66%	-0.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.73%	4.66%	-0.93%

NXUS vs. DFGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXUS has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than DFGX's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NXUS vs. DFGX - Dividend Comparison

NXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%, less than DFGX's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	2.75%	2.84%	4.61%	0.49%
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	1.67%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXUS and DFGX in my portfolio?

NXUS and DFGX have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NXUS or DFGX?

On fees, NXUS is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXUS or DFGX?

NXUS is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for DFGX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NXUS or DFGX?

DFGX has the higher dividend yield at 2.75%, compared with 1.67% for NXUS.

What is the main difference between NXUS and DFGX?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for NXUS and 0.20% for DFGX.